Any Triple Negative People?
I am very new to all of this, just diagnosed in March so I don't even know the extent of my problems yet. I will have a bilateral mastectomy on May 7th with reconstruction at the same time. My MRI showed that it was isolated to the lump in my breast but since I am having to wait so long and it is steadily growing I have many fears.
I am wondering if there is anyone in Virginia Beach on here that has triple negative as well. I would really like to meet someone local to communicate with and develop a friendship. None of my family lives in this area. My mom will be coming here for the surgery and however long I need her after that.
I would also appreciate any advice and information on what I might expect from Chemo from anyone with triple negative.
Thanks,
Danielle
Comments
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I am sorry
Danielle I am sorry that you are facing this more on your own than one should. I moved away from all my family and friends to be with partner only to be diagnosed with stage 3 HER negative didn't know triple at that time. I too had a lump that was fast growing but mine was in my lymphnodes not the one in the breast that stayed fairly small until they needle biopsied it then it changed. I had 11 out of 21 positive lymphnodes.
I was 36 at the time of my diagnosis and that was 14 years ago. You will find plenty of reasons to be hopeful because of people who survived amazing things.
I am back at cancer clinic dealing with a tumor and fast growing lump in my arm and have found out some intersting things and now will be genetically tested because of this study I was apart of as well as they are going back and testing those tumors to see if triple negative something they didn't know 14 years ago. I think you are very couragous to think about a bilateral mastectomy and unlike others on this site I believe it can minimize our risks for a reoccurance but because there are cells there, there is always a chance.
I too had double mastectomy but did not have reconstruction since I didn't fair well with surgery even getting side effects from that. I decided that less surgery was probably better for me since I was at stage 3 and by the way from the time I found my first lump to time the second one grew quickly was only 6 months and I knew I was in big trouble. No one had to tell me I had cancer I knew it.
Danielle your young strong and beautiful and hang onto those very things.
Once diagnosed with breast cancer we are at a greater risk for breast cancer and other cancers so minimizing the risks is all we can do and watch out for our bodies.
Sometimes we are hard on ourselves while going through this and now is the time to learn to treat ourselves as we would our own best friends.
You will find what you are looking for I am sure and I hope that we can be support for you as well.
Be good to yourself always,
Tara0 -
Thank you24242 said:I am sorry
Danielle I am sorry that you are facing this more on your own than one should. I moved away from all my family and friends to be with partner only to be diagnosed with stage 3 HER negative didn't know triple at that time. I too had a lump that was fast growing but mine was in my lymphnodes not the one in the breast that stayed fairly small until they needle biopsied it then it changed. I had 11 out of 21 positive lymphnodes.
I was 36 at the time of my diagnosis and that was 14 years ago. You will find plenty of reasons to be hopeful because of people who survived amazing things.
I am back at cancer clinic dealing with a tumor and fast growing lump in my arm and have found out some intersting things and now will be genetically tested because of this study I was apart of as well as they are going back and testing those tumors to see if triple negative something they didn't know 14 years ago. I think you are very couragous to think about a bilateral mastectomy and unlike others on this site I believe it can minimize our risks for a reoccurance but because there are cells there, there is always a chance.
I too had double mastectomy but did not have reconstruction since I didn't fair well with surgery even getting side effects from that. I decided that less surgery was probably better for me since I was at stage 3 and by the way from the time I found my first lump to time the second one grew quickly was only 6 months and I knew I was in big trouble. No one had to tell me I had cancer I knew it.
Danielle your young strong and beautiful and hang onto those very things.
Once diagnosed with breast cancer we are at a greater risk for breast cancer and other cancers so minimizing the risks is all we can do and watch out for our bodies.
Sometimes we are hard on ourselves while going through this and now is the time to learn to treat ourselves as we would our own best friends.
You will find what you are looking for I am sure and I hope that we can be support for you as well.
Be good to yourself always,
Tara
Tara,
Thank you for responding. Right now just talking to people that have gone through this or are going through it is comforting. My family and friends try but they have no way to really understand what I am going through or how to comfort me.
Funny you say yours grew after the needle biopsy. I asked my surgeon when he did my core biopsy if opening it up would cause it to grow and he assured me that is a myth. It may be a coincidence but mine did seem to double in size since then, that was about a month ago. I won't really know how big it is until they remove it but it started the size of a grape and now I think it's like a golf ball. Hopefully it's my imagination.
Thank you for the kind words and I will keep you in my prayers.
Danielle0 -
Talking is very goodDanielle321 said:Thank you
Tara,
Thank you for responding. Right now just talking to people that have gone through this or are going through it is comforting. My family and friends try but they have no way to really understand what I am going through or how to comfort me.
Funny you say yours grew after the needle biopsy. I asked my surgeon when he did my core biopsy if opening it up would cause it to grow and he assured me that is a myth. It may be a coincidence but mine did seem to double in size since then, that was about a month ago. I won't really know how big it is until they remove it but it started the size of a grape and now I think it's like a golf ball. Hopefully it's my imagination.
Thank you for the kind words and I will keep you in my prayers.
Danielle
I have to say something about myths with cancer. I think I blew them all out of the water way back then. I was extemely ill and in extreme pain something that cancer isn't suppose to do is hurt. I was too young, too healthy, too well built just tired and nauseated. First cancer doctor I saw wouldn't even check for cancer because of those things. Oh right and he also didn't care about my father's side for history not relevant he said. Not relevant that I even smoked even though I had done it from a very young age as well as drinking two things women should just not do because increases estrogen in our bodies which men do not have.
I moved one province west and everything was relevant even though they still thought my chances of having cancer were slim to none. Funny how mine could be stage 3 with 11 out of 21 nodes if that slim, lolol.
Not your imagination and don't go there, it doesn't matter what happens from now to surgery the worst is already done. Don't let anyone minimize how you are feeling including doctors because they are just human like us. I keep reminding myself of this as they continue to say the stupidest of things.
My family was amazing and helped me so much even though they lived so far away. My parents and I actually got closer over the phone and my mother came out to help me after each surgery. I had one mastectomy at a time even urged by my surgeon it would be too hard on me to have them both but I was deathly ill at that time.
Are you married? Do you have children? I have one son and not eager for him to relive his pain from all those years ago. Cancer is scary for us all, including him.
Wow now that I am thinking is the fast growing tumor in your breast or in armpit??
I will certainly be praying that you too get some good news along the way.
Thanks to you too
Tara0 -
Triple Negative
Hi Danielle
So Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed on February 10, 2010. Surgery Feb. 17th followed by mammosite radiation. I too am a triple negative. I had no idea that there were even different kinds of breast cancers! I felt really stupid. I had my first chemo(TAC) last Tuesday, April 13th. It wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. I was a little queazy but mostly realllllly tired! I'm feeling a lot better now. My tumor was 2.5 cm with no lymph node involvment. The chemo seems to be the way to go for triple neg.
Just try to keep your spirits ups. They're are a lot of wonderful people here to help you. I have found the answers to most of my questions here. I'm new to this too, So if you have any other questions, just ask. I'm sure someone will be able to help you. Bless you all.
Carol0 -
Tumor24242 said:Talking is very good
I have to say something about myths with cancer. I think I blew them all out of the water way back then. I was extemely ill and in extreme pain something that cancer isn't suppose to do is hurt. I was too young, too healthy, too well built just tired and nauseated. First cancer doctor I saw wouldn't even check for cancer because of those things. Oh right and he also didn't care about my father's side for history not relevant he said. Not relevant that I even smoked even though I had done it from a very young age as well as drinking two things women should just not do because increases estrogen in our bodies which men do not have.
I moved one province west and everything was relevant even though they still thought my chances of having cancer were slim to none. Funny how mine could be stage 3 with 11 out of 21 nodes if that slim, lolol.
Not your imagination and don't go there, it doesn't matter what happens from now to surgery the worst is already done. Don't let anyone minimize how you are feeling including doctors because they are just human like us. I keep reminding myself of this as they continue to say the stupidest of things.
My family was amazing and helped me so much even though they lived so far away. My parents and I actually got closer over the phone and my mother came out to help me after each surgery. I had one mastectomy at a time even urged by my surgeon it would be too hard on me to have them both but I was deathly ill at that time.
Are you married? Do you have children? I have one son and not eager for him to relive his pain from all those years ago. Cancer is scary for us all, including him.
Wow now that I am thinking is the fast growing tumor in your breast or in armpit??
I will certainly be praying that you too get some good news along the way.
Thanks to you too
Tara
It's in my breast at the 8'oclock position. I hope what I am feeling is not all tumor. The strange thing was that I could never really feel it exactly. I even had a female exam in Jan and the doctor never felt anything. I could only feel a difference, kind of thick/dense feeling and a possible small lump. But only if I leaned forward and felt from underneath but then I could not always find it easily.
I went to the doctor on March 2nd for a fractured pinky and mentioned that I was concerned about my findings and could she schedule mamo as I was due in March anyway. So she tried to feel for it and also had a hard time.
Now I don't have such a hard time finding it. I think it seems not quite as large in the morning so maybe some of what I am feeling is swelling??? Probably wishful thinking I know. But I can hope!
I am divorced, never able to have kids unfortunately and I have 2 dogs. One of which in the past 2 weeks has had a major issue with his hind leg not working correctly and worrying me sick. He is 11 and this is not the year for things to go wrong with him. He's my baby, you think we could get a break in life sometimes.
I do have a guy I've been seeing for a few years. He says he will be here for me through it all and afterward as well. Guess we'll see. I am a strong person (or so I'm told all the time) and will persevere if I have any control whatsoever. My mom will be here when I want her here but I don't like to inconvenience people so am hoping that will be to a minimum throughout. My siblings are scattered and all married. I sure hope this year goes by quick so I can get on with life.0 -
Triple Negativecaligirl1 said:Triple Negative
Hi Danielle
So Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed on February 10, 2010. Surgery Feb. 17th followed by mammosite radiation. I too am a triple negative. I had no idea that there were even different kinds of breast cancers! I felt really stupid. I had my first chemo(TAC) last Tuesday, April 13th. It wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. I was a little queazy but mostly realllllly tired! I'm feeling a lot better now. My tumor was 2.5 cm with no lymph node involvment. The chemo seems to be the way to go for triple neg.
Just try to keep your spirits ups. They're are a lot of wonderful people here to help you. I have found the answers to most of my questions here. I'm new to this too, So if you have any other questions, just ask. I'm sure someone will be able to help you. Bless you all.
Carol
Ha, you think you felt stupid? I had the core biopsy and got a call the next day from the surgeon telling me the "terrible" news that I have cancer. After that had an MRI and then later off to meet the Oncologist. As I'm sitting there thinking he was basically going to tell me what treatment to get after the lumpectomy I was told I would have, starts drawing a normal cancer cell with the 3 receptors and then tells how they are fed by estrogen, progesterone or protein. Then he erases the receptors and said mine doesn't have any. Immediately I thought YAY, that's good news. A split second later I was told it was bad news and called Triple Negative. Then I started crying, and I typically don't do that much. Of course that happens now out of nowhere. So I REALLY felt stupid!
Then I met the surgeon a week or so later and was informed I should have a mastectomy. After meeting with the plastic surgeon and researching I decided to have a bilateral and had to convince the surgeon that is what I want. If I'm going through it now that is one thing I can make darn sure I won't go through again later in life! Plus, my personal feelings are that looking at one normal will make me notice the abnormal more. Just my personal feelings and what will make ME more mentally able to accept it.0 -
I really admire you Danielle!Danielle321 said:Triple Negative
Ha, you think you felt stupid? I had the core biopsy and got a call the next day from the surgeon telling me the "terrible" news that I have cancer. After that had an MRI and then later off to meet the Oncologist. As I'm sitting there thinking he was basically going to tell me what treatment to get after the lumpectomy I was told I would have, starts drawing a normal cancer cell with the 3 receptors and then tells how they are fed by estrogen, progesterone or protein. Then he erases the receptors and said mine doesn't have any. Immediately I thought YAY, that's good news. A split second later I was told it was bad news and called Triple Negative. Then I started crying, and I typically don't do that much. Of course that happens now out of nowhere. So I REALLY felt stupid!
Then I met the surgeon a week or so later and was informed I should have a mastectomy. After meeting with the plastic surgeon and researching I decided to have a bilateral and had to convince the surgeon that is what I want. If I'm going through it now that is one thing I can make darn sure I won't go through again later in life! Plus, my personal feelings are that looking at one normal will make me notice the abnormal more. Just my personal feelings and what will make ME more mentally able to accept it.
What a fantastic attitude! And it seems you sure did your homework and learned a lot more than I knew when I was first diagnosed. I am 5% away from being triple negative. 5% positive Estrogen which my onc says that means I can take the meds they prescribe after chemo. The chemo you take for this depends on a lot of things, but they all pretty much effect you the same way. However, some people have worse side effects than others. The nightmares you've heard about are just that. They've come a long way in treating the nausea and aches and pains caused by chemo. For me it was no picnic, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I hope you have the same results, but it's best to be prepared for everything. Just let us know what's going on after the surgery and we'll all be here for you. This is a great place to be! I wish I had discovered it sooner, it would have been a huge help for me through the worst part of my procedures.
Good luck and God bless,
Lorraine0 -
Triple NegativeDanielle321 said:Triple Negative
Ha, you think you felt stupid? I had the core biopsy and got a call the next day from the surgeon telling me the "terrible" news that I have cancer. After that had an MRI and then later off to meet the Oncologist. As I'm sitting there thinking he was basically going to tell me what treatment to get after the lumpectomy I was told I would have, starts drawing a normal cancer cell with the 3 receptors and then tells how they are fed by estrogen, progesterone or protein. Then he erases the receptors and said mine doesn't have any. Immediately I thought YAY, that's good news. A split second later I was told it was bad news and called Triple Negative. Then I started crying, and I typically don't do that much. Of course that happens now out of nowhere. So I REALLY felt stupid!
Then I met the surgeon a week or so later and was informed I should have a mastectomy. After meeting with the plastic surgeon and researching I decided to have a bilateral and had to convince the surgeon that is what I want. If I'm going through it now that is one thing I can make darn sure I won't go through again later in life! Plus, my personal feelings are that looking at one normal will make me notice the abnormal more. Just my personal feelings and what will make ME more mentally able to accept it.
I too am a triple negative, unfortunately I live in TX. I was diagnosed almost 5 years ago with DCIS, a 2.5 centimeter tumor and 1 positive lymph node out of 12. I had a mastectomy on 5/16/05 with immediate reconstruction, I did a Lat flap. My newly constructed breast looked pretty much like the other, except my nipple and aerola were missing. I went through chemo, AC first and then Taxotere. No radiation.
I had genetic testing completed in 2007 and I am BRCA 1 positive, which gave me a pretty high chance of the cancer coming back in my other breast. I scheduled appts with my surgeon and plastic surgeon and on Oct 1, 2007, I had a mastectomy on the other breast with reconstruction, this time I opted for silicone implants. I had previously had a hysterectomy or would have had one completed at this time as well. Then in 2009 I had my tattooing completed and both of my breasts look pretty normal. I am 51 years old now and doing great.
I am married and my husband was the biggest support that I have. The rest of my family and friends were there for me as well.
I think that I have one of the greatest oncologists, she has seen me emotionally distraught and is good at giving out hugs and letting me know that it is okay to be upset and to go through the emotions that I went through. She said that it was perfetly normal to feel what I was feeling. I wish that everyone could find a Dr. like mine, she is great.
Please let me know how you are doing? And, I just wanted to let you know that it is okay to be scared, we have all been there.0 -
Triple Negative Here, TooDanielle321 said:Triple Negative
Ha, you think you felt stupid? I had the core biopsy and got a call the next day from the surgeon telling me the "terrible" news that I have cancer. After that had an MRI and then later off to meet the Oncologist. As I'm sitting there thinking he was basically going to tell me what treatment to get after the lumpectomy I was told I would have, starts drawing a normal cancer cell with the 3 receptors and then tells how they are fed by estrogen, progesterone or protein. Then he erases the receptors and said mine doesn't have any. Immediately I thought YAY, that's good news. A split second later I was told it was bad news and called Triple Negative. Then I started crying, and I typically don't do that much. Of course that happens now out of nowhere. So I REALLY felt stupid!
Then I met the surgeon a week or so later and was informed I should have a mastectomy. After meeting with the plastic surgeon and researching I decided to have a bilateral and had to convince the surgeon that is what I want. If I'm going through it now that is one thing I can make darn sure I won't go through again later in life! Plus, my personal feelings are that looking at one normal will make me notice the abnormal more. Just my personal feelings and what will make ME more mentally able to accept it.
Danielle, I was diagnosed stage 3A, TN in October 2008. 6cm tumor, 6/15 positive nodes. I had a mastectomy on the affected breast and completed 6 rounds of TAC almost a year ago, on 04/29/09. Finished radiation treatments in mid-August of last year.
Looking back, I wish I had insisted on a bilateral, and I am in fact pursuing that now. So it's good in my opinion that you are getting the bilateral first. As far as time, I also agree your instincts are good. If you can, try to push the surgery asap. Not to put more pressure on you; that's just what I wish I had done.
This board was invaluable to me and my husband, who posts as Aortus. The women here helped us survive and even laugh through all the difficult times. We found true friendship as well as understanding and shared wisdom. So, you have come to the right place. Your family may not be close, but you will find, as we did, a family here to support you and cheer for you and, yes, cry with you.
If you will search the board, you will find a wealth of information on triple negatives and chemo, etc. I and Aortus posted many questions and received many helpful and caring responses. Joe started posting in January 08, I believe, when I started chemo. (I wish he'd found the site as early as you have!) Under my name, and also the user name Mimivac, you will find TN-specific posts. Mimi is also a TN survivor, young like you. You may hear from her as well.
Another site you may like is youngsurvivors.org. TN affects younger women more frequently, so you'll find other TN survivors at all stages as well as perspectives of younger sisters. But, we are all in the club none of wanted to join, as my friend Lili says, and women at both sites share generously of their knowledge and experience and compassion.
I have gone back to work and have not yet the energy to post as often, but you can send me a personal message. I will be glad to help however I can. Sorry I do not live in VA.
Oh, and by the way, that oncologist, the one who drew the circles? If you've got time and energy, you might check out another onc. It's an important relationship you're going to have, and you want someone who communicates well and compassionately and in a positive way. We have enough negatives, without dealing with doctors who are also jerks.
Hang in there, Danielle. It's a rough ride, a roller coaster, but it will slow down at times, and you'll step off of it one day.0 -
triple negative
hi Danielle, My name is Erica, I actually was diagnosed in sept 2009. I had 3 lumpectomy surgerys... An 8 lymph nodes removed. all that had cancer. After that my doctor told me i had Triple negative breast cancer stage 3. Talk about scary... But the best thing is Family and friends..... I love the both of them... I dont want to bore you. but I just finished up chemo today. 4-21-2010. 4 rounds of Adrymicin/Cytoxin, and 4 of Taxol. It was tough but you can do this!!! then have i have 3 weeks rest then start Radiation. i was in ur shoes and felt i need friends and anyone to talk to...0 -
Me, too
When I got my results, I was a hospice nurse. The doctor came in, handed me the report and told me he'd be back to answer any questions I had. In bold big letters it said, POOR PROGNOSIS...based on size,stage, and triple negative. In hospice, that met to me 6 months or less. That was almost 3 years ago. I had a lumpectomy back then. I had a tummy tuck August of 2009. Got married to a great guy that I met on line while I was in chemo and bald as can be. Had my double mastectomy in February 2010 because of new things in my other breast. I would have done it 2 years ago if I'd known of reoccurence risks etc with lumpectomy.
I did get a second opinion and was given much better news about my options. So, i highly recommend a second opinion as far as options. This site was great for me all during my treatment. I've gone to a few support groups. Also, the group called Cleaning for a Reason...provided me with house cleaning. It was so nice to have during my fatigue from chemo. It's a rough road, but you will be wonderfully surprised at how people want to help. Let as many as you feel comfortable with do. I live in Michigan. You are in my prayers. I found my little poodle to be HUGE comfort to me. I'm glad you have them with you. Lois0 -
RARE CANCER AND TRIPLE NEG
Hi Danielle
Welcome to the PINK sisters club even though not by choice, you couldn't find a more wonderful support group anywhere but here. I'm going to try to be as brief as possible and if you have any questions please feel free to ask. I was diagnoise March 09 with a
very rare type of BC. It is called MARTRIX PRODUCING CARCINOMA. Only about 1% of all the women in the world has this type. This cancer does not
respond to chemo or radiation. In April 09 - 1 year ago today I had both breasts removed.
I had a tumor that went from 2cm to 5cm in 4 weeks. Right breast at 11:00 position. I took
6 treatments of chemo every 3 weeks. I guess I had my ears plugged when they said triple
negative too. Well in March 2010 went to Houston to MD Anderson for 2nd opinion and that
is when I found out more about triple negative. It's bad and rare. About 15% of all women
have this. Chemo and radiation does have effect on it. If is returns it's usually within
2 to 2 1/2 years and targets brain, bones, liver, and lungs.
I saved the best for last. AS OF FEB 1ST I'M CANCER FREE. It has been a long hard year but
I made it. I took the strongest chemo they could give me which landed me in the hospital
2 times because of white blood count dropping. Lost all my hair and I can tell you my hair
has come back great and soft as can be. I elected to have both breast removed because I didnt want to give it a chance to go to the left side. Also my lymph nodes were all negative.
I'm in Texas but Arkansas is my home. So sorry I'm not close but to let you know from
this site I met another lady with my type of cancer all the way from ENGLAND and we have
become best friends.
So with all that said you've got to stay strong, get an attitude, and stay positive.
Here's my motto: THE CANCER WON THE 1ST BATTLE AND I'VE WON THE 2ND BUT THE WAR IS NOT OVER FOR I WILL NOT GIVE UP.
You will be in my prayers.
God Bless You,
ARKANSASGIRL0 -
Thank You Allarkansasgirl said:RARE CANCER AND TRIPLE NEG
Hi Danielle
Welcome to the PINK sisters club even though not by choice, you couldn't find a more wonderful support group anywhere but here. I'm going to try to be as brief as possible and if you have any questions please feel free to ask. I was diagnoise March 09 with a
very rare type of BC. It is called MARTRIX PRODUCING CARCINOMA. Only about 1% of all the women in the world has this type. This cancer does not
respond to chemo or radiation. In April 09 - 1 year ago today I had both breasts removed.
I had a tumor that went from 2cm to 5cm in 4 weeks. Right breast at 11:00 position. I took
6 treatments of chemo every 3 weeks. I guess I had my ears plugged when they said triple
negative too. Well in March 2010 went to Houston to MD Anderson for 2nd opinion and that
is when I found out more about triple negative. It's bad and rare. About 15% of all women
have this. Chemo and radiation does have effect on it. If is returns it's usually within
2 to 2 1/2 years and targets brain, bones, liver, and lungs.
I saved the best for last. AS OF FEB 1ST I'M CANCER FREE. It has been a long hard year but
I made it. I took the strongest chemo they could give me which landed me in the hospital
2 times because of white blood count dropping. Lost all my hair and I can tell you my hair
has come back great and soft as can be. I elected to have both breast removed because I didnt want to give it a chance to go to the left side. Also my lymph nodes were all negative.
I'm in Texas but Arkansas is my home. So sorry I'm not close but to let you know from
this site I met another lady with my type of cancer all the way from ENGLAND and we have
become best friends.
So with all that said you've got to stay strong, get an attitude, and stay positive.
Here's my motto: THE CANCER WON THE 1ST BATTLE AND I'VE WON THE 2ND BUT THE WAR IS NOT OVER FOR I WILL NOT GIVE UP.
You will be in my prayers.
God Bless You,
ARKANSASGIRL
I just want to thank each of you for sharing your stories and giving me support and encouragement to get through this. It really does make a difference.
Just 2 weeks from tomorrow I will have this thing removed from my body finally. YAY!!!!!
God Bless all of you and I will pray for you as well.
Danielle0 -
I'm in Pennsylvania, wish I
I'm in Pennsylvania, wish I was closer, but I had triple negative, too. No BRAC gene either.
I found my lump last July 2009, had Mammogram in Aug., then biopsies/tests, etc. Began chemo on Sept. 30, finished chemo on March 1.
My lump grew from the time I found it, which was about 1.5 cm, to 7 cm when they removed it. The chemo did not shrink my lump.
I just had a radical mastectomy on my left breast (Apr. 1, 2010). They took out 15 lymph nodes and 8 were positive.
Sooo, I get to have more chemo. In pill form this time, Xeloda (capecitabine). I get 6 pills a day, morning and evening for 2 weeks, then one week off. I will have 4 rounds of this, then radiation.
Advice on chemo, well, it depends on what kind you get. I had AC then taxotere. With AC, for me, I lost my hair, and had some nausea, but it wasn't too bad. Taxotere was much harder on me, but I didn't have any nausea, and my hair grew back (a little).
The best advice I have is if you are hurting or sick, just call the doctor ASAP because they usually have something that they can give you to ease up the symptoms. Don't wait, or don't try to tough it out. It's not necessary.
I know the first time they only gave me enough nausea pills for 3 days, and by the 4th day, I really wanted the stronger nausea meds because compazine wasn't helping... so I just called up and asked the nurse and she said, "oh yes, honey, take it!"
I think they were trying to save me money because the RX was $30, but I told them it was worth the $30 to feel good!
I would get chemo on a Wednesday, and my worst day was Saturday, and by Sunday I was better. Everyone is different on the chemo's, though.
Good luck!!0 -
Triple Negative
Hi, I too am triple negative. I was diagnosed in July 2009. I am 30 and have 3 beautiful children (ages 4, 3, and 1). I started chemotherapy immediately after my diagnosis...recieved diagnosis on Friday and had my first round of chemo the following Thursday. I had four rounds of A/C, then 4 rounds of taxotere. I did pretty well with the A/C but had more problems with the taxotere. I finished chemotherapy in early November and had a double mastectomy the day before Thanksgiving. I started radiation in January and finished in March. I am now cancer free and living my life each day. This is a very difficult diagnosis and I still have days that I get depressed, but I decided in the beginning that I had 2 choices. I could either spend the rest of my life dying or I could spend the rest of my life living...and I choose to live. We can beat this! I would be glad to share my experiences with anyone who has questions.
May God bless us all!
Tina0 -
Try this site.
There is another site that I have found to be helpful in my journey. It is breastcancer.org. It is set up differently and has a thread for Triple Negative. There may be a better chance of finding someone in your area on that site. Good luck.
Roseann0 -
Welcome, Danielle
Wow, so many triple negative sisters responded. First of all, this diagnosis can be scary because of what you've heard. But let me give you one fact: most early stage triple negative breast cancers never recur. Chemo can be a very powerful agent against triple negative and I personally know many TN survivors who have been around 5, 10 years and more. Yes, there is no targeted therapy -- yet. But that doesn't mean it's not treatable. It's readily treatable and often curable. If you want, please PM me and I will send you a very helpful article on triple negative. Please also follow Moopy's advice and go to www.youngsurvival.org. There is a strong population of triple negative sisters there who are around your age (I'm 35). That can be another place of support and advice, too. Right now, the next step might be to focus on your surgery. Don't worry about chemo now. You'll get through that when the time comes. I did. Moopy did. Many, many ladies here did and are thriving now.
I live in northern VA, but love Virginia Beach. It's lovely. My husband and I went there for my birthday last year and got a hotel with a balcony overlooking the ocean. So relaxing. My best to you. Please come back for all the support you want.
Mimi0 -
Arkansasgirlmimivac said:Welcome, Danielle
Wow, so many triple negative sisters responded. First of all, this diagnosis can be scary because of what you've heard. But let me give you one fact: most early stage triple negative breast cancers never recur. Chemo can be a very powerful agent against triple negative and I personally know many TN survivors who have been around 5, 10 years and more. Yes, there is no targeted therapy -- yet. But that doesn't mean it's not treatable. It's readily treatable and often curable. If you want, please PM me and I will send you a very helpful article on triple negative. Please also follow Moopy's advice and go to www.youngsurvival.org. There is a strong population of triple negative sisters there who are around your age (I'm 35). That can be another place of support and advice, too. Right now, the next step might be to focus on your surgery. Don't worry about chemo now. You'll get through that when the time comes. I did. Moopy did. Many, many ladies here did and are thriving now.
I live in northern VA, but love Virginia Beach. It's lovely. My husband and I went there for my birthday last year and got a hotel with a balcony overlooking the ocean. So relaxing. My best to you. Please come back for all the support you want.
Mimi
I was wondering in your case if you had any positive nodes?? And Moopy23 what does the letter after the stage mean?? All new to me. Did AG too have the genetic link or do you know??
I am now just going through all this genetic bull and finding out if breast tumor was triple negative 14 years ago something they never knew. I was 36 at time of diagnosis.
Funny if I hadn't got two more lumps in my arm I wouldn't have insisted on getting back into cancer cline and would never know about this triple negative and genetic link being the worst form of breast cancer. I sort have been living with a false sense of security all these years since that wasn't what was going on back then and at some point I quit reading about breast cancer and stopped coming here for support.
I am truly glad for that because all this triple negative stuff would have scared the hell out of me reading all your posts.
Just had my CT scan yeterday for hips, spine and head. Funny I am more conserned about the lumps but I managed to get that done first and the arm was not part of it. Oh right they are the doctors.
On the 29th I have consultation at Heriditary Program building so this means they must have the results of the tumor tests. They have my tumor still because I was apart of a study that started 97 and ended 07 to follow women with negative HER agressive form of breast cancer.
Well finally feeling good enough to work again and that alone is alittle bit of a relief, but they yoyo sick thing wears on you after awhile let alone the waiting as we all know by now.
Danielle good luck and so glad it isn't much longer for you.
Intersting for sure and so glad for this.
Tara0 -
Nodes24242 said:Arkansasgirl
I was wondering in your case if you had any positive nodes?? And Moopy23 what does the letter after the stage mean?? All new to me. Did AG too have the genetic link or do you know??
I am now just going through all this genetic bull and finding out if breast tumor was triple negative 14 years ago something they never knew. I was 36 at time of diagnosis.
Funny if I hadn't got two more lumps in my arm I wouldn't have insisted on getting back into cancer cline and would never know about this triple negative and genetic link being the worst form of breast cancer. I sort have been living with a false sense of security all these years since that wasn't what was going on back then and at some point I quit reading about breast cancer and stopped coming here for support.
I am truly glad for that because all this triple negative stuff would have scared the hell out of me reading all your posts.
Just had my CT scan yeterday for hips, spine and head. Funny I am more conserned about the lumps but I managed to get that done first and the arm was not part of it. Oh right they are the doctors.
On the 29th I have consultation at Heriditary Program building so this means they must have the results of the tumor tests. They have my tumor still because I was apart of a study that started 97 and ended 07 to follow women with negative HER agressive form of breast cancer.
Well finally feeling good enough to work again and that alone is alittle bit of a relief, but they yoyo sick thing wears on you after awhile let alone the waiting as we all know by now.
Danielle good luck and so glad it isn't much longer for you.
Intersting for sure and so glad for this.
Tara
Hi Tara,
I don't know yet. They will do a dye test prior to my surgery on the 7th to determine the extent. 13 days YAY!
I'm so sorry to hear all that you have been through and are still going through. It's very encouraging to me that you are still full of spunk though. I agree with the triple negative being scary. But thanks to people like yourself that are part of studies they are able to figure out new things that will work for us. Thank you!
Good luck to you.
Danielle0
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